The awards were launched in 2008 by the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)’s The Thao & Van Hoa daily and Bui Xuan Phai’s family. The awards have been organised annually by the Hanoi People’s Committee and sponsored by the The Thao & Van Hoa newspaper and Bui Xuan Phai Fund to honour painter Bui Xuan Phai (1920-1988), a founder of modern art in Vietnam.
Speaking at the ceremony, VNA General Director Nguyen Duc Loi praised the efforts of the newspaper in organising the awards, which have served the mission of discovering and honouring significant contributions to the capital city.
The awards are classified into four categories: Grand Prize, Idea Prize, Job Prize, and Work Prize.
This year’s Grand Prize went to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thua Hy. Born in Hanoi in 1937, he has carried out major research projects on Thang Long – Hanoi in various centuries in the past across several fields of socio-economy, history and culture.
His research works began 40 years ago and have been regularly updated. His latest book on Hanoi was released in 2018 and more are expected to come. The winner of the Meritorious Teacher title has greatly contributed to the studies of the capital city.
The Idea Prize was presented to a project on building the Formula 1 race and hosting the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Hanoi for the first time in April 2020, and also for the determination to revive To Lich River of Hanoi authorities and local people.
Three books entitled “Ha Noi mot thoi hat” by Nguyen Truong Quy earned the Work Prize. They introduce Hanoi’s lifestyle in the 1947-1954 period through composer Doan Chuan’s music.
The Job Prize went to a Hanoi sketching group, who have worked to keep memories of the capital city through their paintings, especially of Hanoi’s old tenements.
A photo exhibition showcasing the most outstanding nominations for this year’s awards opened on the same day at the National News Centre, 5 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hanoi. It will run until August 30.
